In the early 1990s, a researcher at Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology began developing Paro, a therapeutic robot designed to provide companionship to older adults. Over 30 years later, Paro remains the most recognizable example of such technology, even making an unofficial appearance on “The Simpsons” in 2011. Japan’s advanced age tech robotics market, driven by an aging population, has positioned the country as a leader in developing robotic companions.
Japan’s aging population, with 29% of its citizens aged 65 and older, faces significant challenges related to loneliness and support. Robots have been proposed as a viable solution to supplement human caregivers and provide companionship to older adults. Similarly, the United States is experiencing an aging trend. Currently, 62 million Americans are aged 65 and older, representing 18% of the population. This number is projected to rise to 84 million, or 23% of the population, by 2054.
Despite the aging demographic, the U.S. has been slower to adopt robotic companionship technologies compared to Japan. However, New York State’s Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) has been working to change this since 2018. Inspired by a personal experience, Acting Director Greg Olsen initiated a program to distribute robotic pets to older New Yorkers. The department has since handed out more than 31,500 robotic pets, aiming to combat loneliness and provide comfort.
Ageless Innovations and Robotic Pets
Ageless Innovations, a Hasbro spinoff founded in 2015, produces robotic companion animals under its Joy for All brand. The line includes a cat, a dog, and most recently, a bird named the “Walker Squawker.” These robotic pets are designed to respond to light and touch, offering interactive companionship to their owners. The retriever-like dog remains the most popular, accounting for around 60% of total requests.
The initiative to distribute robotic pets aligns with findings from U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, who has highlighted the severe health impacts of loneliness. Murthy equates loneliness with smoking 15 cigarettes a day in terms of its effect on life span. Isolation can also accelerate cognitive decline in older individuals, a problem exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Research supports the idea that pet ownership can significantly reduce loneliness. A study found that pet owners were 36% less likely to report loneliness compared to non-pet owners. However, pet ownership isn’t always feasible for older adults due to various reasons, such as health and mobility issues. Robotic pets offer an alternative, providing companionship without the responsibilities associated with real pets.
The Impact of Robot Pets
Studies on robotic pets, though limited, indicate positive outcomes. A 2022 study noted that companion pets improved depression and loneliness without the risks associated with pharmacological interventions. Participants engaged meaningfully with their robotic pets, especially during COVID-19 lockdowns, when human and animal interactions were restricted.
While robotic pets have shown promise, they are not a standalone solution. Olsen emphasizes the importance of human interaction and additional support services. The NYSOFA has established partnerships with tech companies, including Intuition Robotics, which produces ElliQ, a social robot that helps users stay connected with loved ones. The department also provides transportation, phone trees, and other services to support older adults.
The robotic pet program has proven to be a valuable tool for combating loneliness. Stories from clients illustrate the deep emotional connections they form with their robotic companions. One woman stated that she would have to be pried away from her robotic cat, while another man requested to be buried with his robotic pet, much to the surprise of mourners at his funeral.
The use of robotic pets represents a significant step towards addressing the epidemic of loneliness among older adults. By providing companionship and emotional support, these robots can improve the quality of life for many individuals. However, they should be part of a broader strategy that includes human interaction and comprehensive support services. As the population continues to age, innovative solutions like robotic pets will play an increasingly important role in ensuring the well-being of older adults.
See also: MIT Develops Soft Robotic System To Pack Groceries
